Paternalism, participation and partnership - the evolution of patient centeredness in the consultation.
OBJECTIVE
There is much discussion at present on the need for a more patient-centered health service. However, it is not always clear what exactly this means for patients or healthcare providers. Furthermore many current trends in healthcare and society may in fact move the consultation further from the patient-centered model. In this article I shall critically review the current state of the consultation.


METHODS
This article is based on a critical review of the literature. I shall firstly outline what is meant by the terms 'patient centeredness' and 'participation'. I shall then examine what wider factors may facilitate or impede effective communication within the consultation.


RESULTS
Patient centeredness and participation is challenged by several factors including the 'co-modification' of healthcare, the information revolution, the tension between choice and continuity, the process of medicalisation, population health strategies and the availability of resources.


CONCLUSIONS
I will argue that precisely because of these wider trends in society the consultation is now more important than ever as a point of access, communication, understanding and delivery of healthcare.


CONCLUSIONS
The structure and aims of the consultation must be re-visited in the light of the rapid pace of change in service delivery. As such, healthcare professionals may need to advocate for the continuing role of the patient-centered consultation.
Taylor
Keith
K
Dundee University Medical School, Department of General Practice, c/o Curriculum Office, Level 7, Ninewells, Dundee DD19SY, UK. k.taylor@dundee.ac.uk
D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D017008:Negotiating; D026706:Paternalism / Q000941:ethics; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000639:trends*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000941:ethics / Q000639:trends*; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000941:ethics / Q000639:trends*; D012922:Social Change